Located in the mountainous landscape of northwestern Wyoming, Jackson Hole is a high-elevation valley town that embodies the essence of the American West. The town of Jackson (often just called “Jackson Hole”) is the largest community in Teton County, but even as of 2023 it remains small – roughly 10,700 residents. Despite its modest population, Jackson Hole wields an outsized reputation as a luxury resort and outdoor adventure hub. It lies near (and partly within) Grand Teton National Park, with the dramatic Teton Range rising immediately to the west and Yellowstone’s southern fringe about 60 miles north. This scenic mountain valley is carved by the Snake and Gros Ventre Rivers, above 6,000 feet elevation. The climate is alpine: short warm summers and long, cold winters. Town life in Jackson is laid-back and outdoors-oriented; English is the primary language, reflecting its 100% U.S. citizenship rate and majority white population. (The local population is about two-thirds white, with a growing Hispanic community of roughly 23.5%, due largely to Spanish-speaking seasonal and service workers.)
As noted, Jackson Hole is tiny by city standards – only about 10.7 thousand people in 2023. It is also one of the wealthiest towns in the U.S. by household income: the median household income is around $112,600 per year, far above the national average. Median age is about 35 (indicating many young adults and families, as well as retirees). The town is essentially 100% U.S. citizens and over 90% White (non-Hispanic), though as mentioned a significant portion of the workforce identifies as Hispanic. There is very little language diversity at home – virtually all residents report speaking only English.
The local economy revolves around tourism and related services. Jackson Hole and Teton County draw well over a million visitors per year; in 2022, about 1.69 million visitors came to the region, injecting roughly $1.65–$1.7 billion into the local economy. This spending supported about 7,900 jobs (about 7% of the county’s employment) and includes lodging, food and beverage, recreation (skiing, hiking tours, fishing guides), and retail. In short, the numbers underscore that Jackson Hole’s livelihood depends on its natural attractions – mountains, wildlife, skiing – rather than on agriculture or heavy industry. (For perspective, the per-capita economic activity is enormous; a person might casually observe that Jackson’s economy is roughly $160,000 per resident in tourist spending.)
Jackson Hole refers to the valley – roughly 42 miles long – that sits between the Teton Range on the west and the Gros Ventre Range on the east. The town of Jackson itself lies near the valley’s south end, about 65 miles from Yellowstone National Park and 10 miles from Grand Teton National Park. It is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The valley floor averages about 6,237 feet (1,900 m) above sea level. The surrounding peaks are dramatic: Grand Teton soars to 13,775 feet. These mountains create a classic Rocky Mountain environment: alpine forests, wild rivers, and sagebrush meadows. To the south, the valley meets the Wyoming Range; to the north, the Snake River flows out toward Idaho.
The Continental Divide passes nearby; in fact, U.S. Route 26/89/191 crosses Teton Pass (8,431 ft) into Idaho about 16 miles south of town, linking Jackson Hole to Idaho’s resort area (e.g. Victor, ID). In winter, this pass can be snowy, so travelers often plan around it. The local climate is cool: average summer highs are in the 70s–80s°F (mid 20s°C) and winters average – month: e.g. January high ~30°F, low ~10°F (–1°C/–12°C). Snowfall is heavy (50+ inches per season), enabling the valley’s world-renowned ski resorts (Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King) to operate from November through April. No citations were needed here, but data indicates extremes from –22°F to +102°F historically.
The Jackson Hole area has been inhabited by Native Americans for millennia. The Shoshone, as well as related tribes (Bannock, Crow, Blackfoot, Gros Ventre), used the valley seasonally for hunting and fishing. The springs and meadows were neutral ground and held cultural significance to the Shoshone-Bannock people. For them, the hot springs were sacred “healing waters,” and indeed even today many local narratives emphasize the spiritual value of the springs.
The valley was “discovered” by American mountain men and trappers in the early 19th century. Fur trader David “Davey” Jackson, a member of the legendary Astor Expedition of 1822, reputedly wintered here, giving the valley its name (originally “Davey Jackson’s Hole”). The valley remained sparsely settled for decades; it was part of the Oregon Trail and California Trail routes in the mid-1800s, with emigrants passing nearby on their way west.
Permanent non-Indigenous settlement began in earnest in the late 19th century. Ranchers moved in as part of the Fort Hall Indian Reservation lands after treaties in the 1870s, and by the 1880s cattle grazing had become the valley’s chief industry. The town of Jackson (originally “Jackson’s Hole” or “Fisher’s Hollow”) was formally named in 1894, by which time it had a few dozen buildings and a ferry across the Snake River. In 1900 the first city plat was drawn, and in 1903 Jackson was incorporated as a town.
A turning point came in the early 20th century as the federal government turned local lands into public parks. In 1908-1912 Congress authorized a national elk refuge for the over-wintering elk of the valley; the Jackson Hole Elk Refuge was officially established in 1912, ensuring a permanent population of thousands of elk and bison. Meanwhile, in 1929 the United States created Grand Teton National Park, protecting the mountains to the west. These designations shifted the valley’s economy away from ranching toward tourism. Jackson Hole was incorporated as a town in 1915 (its name shortened to “Jackson”), and during the Depression era tourism (summer auto tours and dude ranches) kept the town alive.
After World War II, recreation boomed. In 1939 the first ski lift was built on Snow King Mountain right in town, and in 1954 the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort opened in the Teton Village to the northwest. These developments, combined with the Jackson Hole Airport opening commercial flights in 1946, made Jackson accessible to visitors. Over the second half of the 20th century, Jackson Hole evolved from a cattle-ranching community into a world-famous resort destination – while still retaining a distinctly Western “cowboy” identity.
Today, some elements of Jackson’s past remain: the classic antler arches in the Town Square (built in 1953 from elk antlers collected on the refuge) symbolize its frontier heritage. Local historical sites (the Jackson Hole Rodeo arena from 1953, the Point Bar lodge, and the 1922 Stage Barn Museum) preserve the old pioneer and ranching culture. In short, Jackson Hole’s history is a story of Native American stewardship, rugged mountain settlement, and finally conservation-driven tourism.
The local character of Jackson Hole is a blend of Old West charm, outdoorsy informality, and upscale resort comforts. English is spoken by virtually everyone; given the size of the Hispanic community, you will also hear Spanish in restaurants and shops (about 23% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino). Family life and outdoor recreation shape daily routines: many locals start the day skiing or hiking and run errands in flip-flops and jeans. There is no rush-hour mentality – the pace is relaxed but industrious. Hospitality is warm; shopkeepers and hotel staff tend to greet visitors with a friendly “howdy” or “welcome to Jackson.”
Traditions and festivals reflect this Western ethos. Jackson Hole Rendezvous Days (held around Fourth of July) is a popular heritage event with parades, chuckwagon dinners, fireworks, and rodeo. (The annual 4th of July celebration includes fireworks and a lighthearted rubber-duck river race to benefit charity.) Snow King Mountain annually hosts “Fire & Ice” in January – a winter carnival with ice sculpture competitions, fireworks, and ski events. In late summer, the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival (since the 1980s) showcases local artists, music, and cowboy poetry. Local clubs and charities also run rodeos, polo matches, and mountain music jams throughout summer.
Festivals aside, Jackson’s cultural heart is in its embrace of the natural world. Many summer evenings you will find townspeople strolling through Town Square (George Washington Memorial Park), bumping elbows under the iconic elk antler arches. Art galleries feature Western-themed and wildlife art (the National Museum of Wildlife Art overlooks the elk refuge). In sports, virtually every resident is at least a casual ski or bike enthusiast. There is a notable egalitarian streak: it’s not uncommon to see a billionaire in ski boots chatting with a park ranger. In short, Jackson Hole feels like a sophisticated backcountry village: friendly, slightly rustic, yet tinged with worldly confidence from being such a sought-after destination.
Jackson Hole’s attractions are largely outdoor and scenic experiences, but also include unique indoor sights. Must-see highlights include:
Grand Teton National Park – Just north of town, this park offers unforgettable alpine scenery. Visitors flock to Jenny Lake (hiking, boat tours), Signal Mountain (viewpoints), and the scenic Teton Range itself. Wildlife watching (moose, bears, elk) is excellent, especially in early morning.
National Elk Refuge – Home to thousands of elk each winter, the 24,000-acre refuge east of Jackson provides wildlife safaris (snowcoach tours in winter). The refuge protects the Jackson Hole elk herd and bison, and the spectacular antler arch “corrals” on Town Square were built from elk antlers found on this refuge.
Jackson Town Square – The rustic wooden Town Square is the center of Jackson, distinguished by four elk-antler arches and a bronze elk statue. It is ringed by galleries, shops, and the historic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar (a famous saloon with western decor). Town Square is where locals and visitors gather in summer evenings.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (Teton Village) – A world-class ski area (and summer tram) just west of town. In winter it offers steep runs and deep powder; in summer it offers alpine hiking, mountain biking, and panoramic aerial tram rides up Rendezvous Peak.
Snow King Mountain – Located right in Jackson, Snow King is the town’s local ski hill and recreation area. In summer it has a popular mountain coaster and wildlife trail, and in winter its terrain park draws snowboarders.
National Museum of Wildlife Art – Overlooking the Elk Refuge to the northeast of town, this museum houses a premier collection of animal and Western art. Even the building itself (inspired by the shape of a rock outcropping) is a photo highlight.
Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum – Located near Town Square, this museum and research center has exhibits on valley history, including artifacts from Native American life, trapper eras, and early Jackson.
Jackson Hole Rodeo – From June through August, professional rodeos are held three nights a week in the beautiful rodeo arena near Jackson, showcasing bull riding, barrel racing, and roping – a fun slice of cowboy culture. (Bull riding here is a National Finals Rodeo qualifier.)
National Museum of Wildlife Art – The museum’s collection of Western and wildlife paintings and sculptures is world-class. Its scenic location overlooks the National Elk Refuge, making it a dual attraction (art plus panorama).
Each of these attractions embodies what people come to Jackson Hole for: majestic scenery, wildlife, and a taste of Western heritage. Whether gliding on skis down a jagged peak or strolling under the elk-antler arches in town, the “hole” – as locals call the valley – offers memorable experiences.
Jackson Hole’s unique airport (Jackson Hole Airport, IATA code JAC) is the only commercial airport in the U.S. that lies entirely within a national park (Grand Teton NP). Flights are relatively limited: most visitors arrive via one-stop connections from major western cities like Denver, Salt Lake City, or Seattle. In winter, flights are especially in demand. The airport is about 20 minutes (10–12 miles) south of town. For wider flight options, Salt Lake City (UT) and Idaho Falls (ID) airports are ~200 and 100 miles away, respectively, but reaching Jackson from them requires long drives.
By road, U.S. Routes 26, 89, and 191 all converge in Jackson. I-15 is about 40 miles south (to Victor, ID), linking to Jackson via Teton Pass. During winter storms, the Teton Pass route can be tricky; snow plowing keeps it passable most of the time, but travelers should plan accordingly. There is no passenger rail service to Jackson Hole. Intercity bus service (e.g. Express Arrow) runs from Salt Lake City and Denver during peak seasons.
Within Jackson, getting around is easy on foot in the compact Town Square area (with its shops and galleries). The town operates a free downtown shuttle (“START Bus”) that circulates every 20 minutes in summer. For destinations outside town (e.g. ski areas or Grand Teton NP), most visitors rent cars or use shuttles/taxis. Local public transit (“START Bus”) includes a fare-based route up the mountain to Teton Village and on into Grand Teton NP. Cycling is popular on the valley’s paved pathways, and Uber/Lyft taxis operate here (though surge pricing can occur during tourist seasons).
Jackson Hole uses U.S. currency (US Dollars) and American tipping customs apply (about 15–20% at restaurants and for guided tours). English is spoken everywhere; no foreign language is needed in town. The valley’s high altitude (6,000+ ft) means the sun is strong – visitors should use sunscreen and stay hydrated. Winter visitors should carry warm layers even during the day, as mountain conditions can change rapidly. Wildlife safety is important: always keep at least 25 yards from bears and wolves, and 100 yards from bison (the NPS advises viewing elk from a distance, especially with calves). The area is very safe in terms of crime (it’s uncommon to find locked doors in town); the main caution is simply to prepare for altitude and wildlife.
In short, Jackson Hole presents a blend of rustic Western charm and modern resort amenities. Seasonal highlights—skiing in winter, hiking in summer—drive its calendar, but year-round the same practical considerations apply: English-speaking, tip-friendly, ample cash/cards accepted, and a laid-back but conscientious outdoor lifestyle.
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